Multi-turn elevation knob for optical device

ABSTRACT

An optical device has a post and a reference. A knob is rotatably connected to the optical device and has see-though portions and a gear pivotably disposed therein. The gear has a ring engagement member and a receiver for receiving the post and an inner ring is disposed within the housing. The inner ring includes a first indicia and second indicia. The first indicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portions when the gear is in a first position. The second indicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portions when the gear is in a second position. Each of the first and second indicia is associated with a single specific rotated position of the housing relative to the reference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/243,709, filed Aug. 22, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/554,745, filed Nov. 26, 2014, entitled“MULTI-TURN ELEVATION KNOB FOR OPTICAL DEVICE”, the disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

INTRODUCTION

Aiming a rifle or gun requires the consideration of severalenvironmental and other types of factors. When a bullet travels from arifle to an intended target, several forces affect the flight of thebullet. Gravity causes the bullet to drop in elevation as the bullettravels from the firearm to the target. If a hunter 100 is close tohis/her target 102, as shown in FIG. 1A, the bullet drops very little,represented by the trajectory 104. However, improvements in firearms andammunition have allowed hunters to target game or target-shootingtargets from extremely long distances. At these greater distances,gravity causes a bullet to drop in elevation more significantly, asrepresented by the trajectory 106 in FIG. 1B. As the distance betweenshooter and target increases, greater adjustments of an elevation knobon the optical device are required to properly sight a target.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the technology relates to an apparatus having: an opticaldevice having a post extending from the optical device and a referencedisposed on an outer surface of the optical device; and a knob rotatablyconnected to the optical device proximate the post and the reference,the knob having: a housing having a plurality of see-though portions; agear pivotably disposed within the housing, wherein the gear includes aring engagement member and a receiver for receiving the post; and aninner ring disposed within the housing, wherein the inner ring isengaged with the ring engagement member, and wherein the inner ring has:a plurality of first indicia, each of the plurality of first indiciaassociated with a single specific first rotated position of the housingrelative to the reference, wherein the plurality of first indicia arealigned with the plurality of see-through portions when the gear is in afirst position; and a plurality of second indicia, each of the pluralityof second indicia associated with a single specific second rotatedposition of the housing relative to the reference, wherein the pluralityof second indicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portionswhen the gear is in a second position. In an embodiment, the apparatusfurther includes a stop extending from the housing and engaged with theinner ring when both the plurality of first indicia and the plurality ofsecond indicia are visible through the plurality of see-throughportions. In another embodiment, engagement between the stop and theinner ring when the plurality of first indicia are visible, and contactbetween the post and an outer portion of the receiver, prevents afurther rotation of the knob. In yet another embodiment, engagementbetween the stop and the inner ring when the plurality of second indiciaare visible, and contact between the post and an outer portion of thereceiver prevents a further rotation of the knob. In still anotherembodiment, the plurality of see-though portions includes openingsdefined by the housing.

In another embodiment of the above aspect, the apparatus furtherincludes a substantially transparent ring disposed between the innerring and the housing, wherein the plurality of first indicia and theplurality of second indicia are selectively visible through the openingsand the substantially transparent ring. In an embodiment, the housinghas an upper portion and wherein the knob further includes a gasketdisposed between the upper portion and a top surface of the inner ringand a top surface of the substantially transparent ring. In anotherembodiment, the apparatus further includes a ring clip disposedproximate a bottom surface of the inner ring and a bottom surface of thesubstantially transparent ring. In yet another embodiment, the ring clipbiases the inner ring and the substantially transparent ring toward thegasket. In still another embodiment, a rotating movement of the knobadjusts an angular position of at least one lens disposed in the opticaldevice. In still another embodiment, the gear includes a clocking plateand the post includes a clocking pin.

In another aspect, the technology relates to an apparatus having: ahousing having: a plurality of arc portion indicators, wherein theplurality of arc portion indicators include a single referenceindicator; a plurality of see-through portions, wherein each see-throughportion is aligned with a specific arc portion indicator of theplurality of arc portion indicators; a gear pivotably disposed withinthe housing between a first position and a second position; and an innerring engaged with the gear and disposed within the housing, wherein theinner ring includes: a plurality of first numeric indicia, wherein eachof the plurality of first numeric indicia indicate an arc portionposition remote from the single reference indicator, wherein theplurality of first numeric indicia are aligned with the plurality ofsee-through portions when the gear is in the first position; and aplurality of second numeric indicia, wherein each of the plurality ofsecond numeric indicia indicate an arc portion position remote from thereference indicator plus a constant, wherein the plurality of secondnumeric indicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portionswhen the gear is in the second position. In an embodiment, the constantcorresponds to a total number of the plurality of see-through portionsin the housing. In another embodiment, the constant corresponds to amultiple of a total number of the plurality of see-through portions inthe housing. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of first numericindicia and the plurality of second numeric indicia are disposed inalternating positions about the inner ring. In still another embodiment,the apparatus further includes a ring element disposed between the innerring and the housing.

In another embodiment of the above aspect, the ring element has a gasketdisposed proximate an upper surface of the inner ring. In an embodiment,the ring element has a substantially transparent ring disposed proximatean outer surface of the inner ring. In another embodiment, thesee-through portions has openings defined by the housing. In yet anotherembodiment, the apparatus further includes a ring clip for securing theinner ring into the housing. In still another embodiment, the apparatusfurther includes a stop extending from the housing and engaged with theinner ring when both the plurality of first numeric indicia and theplurality of second numeric indicia are visible through the plurality ofsee-through portions. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus furtherhas a shoulder disposed on the interior of the housing. In still anotherembodiment, the apparatus further includes a securement elementproximate the shoulder for securing the housing to an adjustment elementof an optical device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presentlypreferred, it being understood, however, that the technology is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict simplified representations of the effect of gravityon the flight of a bullet.

FIGS. 2A-2B depict schematic cross-sectional views of an optical devicehaving a sighting lens system in a first position and a second position.

FIG. 3 depicts a partial exploded perspective view of an optical deviceutilizing a multi-turn elevation adjustment knob.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of a multi-turn elevationadjustment knob.

FIG. 5A depicts a partial perspective view of an optical device having amulti-turn elevation adjustment knob displaying first indicia.

FIG. 5B depicts a partial perspective view of the optical device of FIG.5A having a multi-turn elevation adjustment knob displaying secondindicia.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict top schematic views of a multi-turn elevationadjustment knob displaying first numeric indicia and second numericindicia, respectively.

FIGS. 7A-7F depict partial cross-sectional views of an optical devicehaving a multi-turn elevation adjustment knob displaying first, thensecond, indicia.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology relates to new and improved embodiments of knownsighting systems and methods (such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.7,703,679, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety), for correctly aiming a firearm or otherimplement. As used herein, a “sighting system” shall be construedbroadly and is defined as one or more optical devices and processingsystems that assist a person in aiming a projectile launch system, suchas a firearm, a rifle, or other implement. The disclosed technology hasapplication in any type of sighting system or optical device, includingthose with addressable aiming elements and those without. In thisapplication, a riflescope will be described as an exemplary embodiment.

A hunter, sniper, or other person using a rifle or other firearm,commonly referred to as a shooter, uses optical sighting systems, suchas riflescopes, to visually acquire a target and improve aimingaccuracy. FIGS. 2A-2B depict schematic cross-sectional views of anoptical device 200 having a sighting lens system 202 in a first positionand a second position, respectively. The optical device 200 includes anouter housing 204 that contains the sighting lens system 202. An ocularlens 206 is disposed proximate an eye 208 of a shooter. An objectivelens 210 is disposed opposite the ocular lens 206, also within the outerhousing 204. The sighting lens system 202 may include a plurality oflenses (not shown) that can be moved axially along an axis B of thesighting system. The sighting lens system 202 can be inclined relativeto an axis A of the optical device housing 204. This inclination angle αis depicted in FIG. 2B. Inclination angle α may be increased by rotatingR an elevation adjustment knob 212 disposed on the housing 204. RotationR of the elevation adjustment knob 212 adjusts a position of anadjustment mechanism 214 so as to pivot the sighting lens system 202. Incertain embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 214 can be a lead screw,cam mechanism, slide mechanism, and so on. Other elements utilized toadjust position of the sighting lens system or otherwise accurately aimthe optical device (e.g., windage compensation systems, illuminatedsighting reticles, etc.) are well-known to a person of skill in the artand thus are not described further. In optical devices utilized forextremely long-range shooting, maximum inclination a of the sightinglens system 202 may necessitate multiple rotations of the elevationadjustment knob 212 (e.g., up to and beyond 180° rotation, 360°rotation, 540° rotation, 720° rotation, 1080° rotation, etc.). Multiplerotations, however, can be difficult to monitor by a shooter, leading toinaccurate shots. The technologies described herein allow a shooter toaccurately and precisely know the rotational position of the elevationknob 212 at any point during rotation thereof.

FIG. 3 depicts a partial exploded perspective view of an optical device300 utilizing a multi-turn elevation adjustment knob 302. The opticaldevice 300 includes a housing 304 having an ocular end 306 and anobjective end 308 (an ocular bell housing and lenses are not depicted inFIG. 3). A reference mark 310 is disposed on a surface of the housing304, proximate a knob mount 312. The knob mount 312 defines a locationupon which the knob 302 rests when attached to an adjustment mechanism314. The adjustment mechanism 314 includes a neck 316 sized so as toreceive a plurality of set screws (not shown) disposed on the knob 302.Once secured, rotation of the knob 302 rotates the adjustment mechanism314, so as to adjust the sighting lens system disposed in the housing304. A clocking pin or post 318 extends from the knob mount 312 and isfixed so as not to move upon rotation of the knob 302. The function ofthis post 318 is described in further detail below.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of a multi-turn elevationadjustment knob 400. The elevation adjustment knob 400 includes ahousing 402 having a knurled upper portion 404. The housing 402 definesa one or more screw openings 406 configured to receive one or more setscrews 408 used to secure the knob 400 to a neck of an adjustmentmechanism, such as depicted in FIG. 3. The neck of the adjustmentmechanism is received in an adjustment mechanism receiver 410 defined bya shoulder 412 of the housing 402, then secured by the set screws 408. Astop 414, in the form of a pin or other projection, is secured to thehousing 402, e.g., at the shoulder 412. The shoulder 412 also defines agear receiver 416 that pivotably receives a gear or clocking plate 418.The gear 418 includes a U-shaped receiver or clocking plate 420 and aring engagement member 422, in the form of a pin or other projection.

The housing 402 includes a plurality of see-though portions 424 that inthe depicted embodiment are openings defined by the housing 402. Inother embodiments, the see-through portions 424 can be substantiallytransparent windows. In another embodiment, the see-through portions 424can be defined by transparent portions of a clear plastic housing, whereopaque portions have been painted or otherwise covered. A plurality ofarc portion indicators 426, including a single reference indicator 426a, are disposed about the housing 402, so as to enable a shooter toknow, at any point during rotation, a precise position of the knob 400relative to the reference mark 310 (FIG. 3). Certain of the plurality ofarc portion indicators 426 are aligned with one of the see-thoughportions 424 to aid in the determination of the rotational position ofthe knob 400, as described in more detail below.

A number of components are disposed within the housing 402. A gasket 428is disposed proximate the upper portion 404 of the housing. Asubstantially transparent ring element 430, having an upper surface 432in contact with the gasket 428, is disposed proximate the see-throughportions 424. Indicia are disposed on an outer surface 434 of an innerindicia ring 436 so as to be visible through the substantiallytransparent ring element 430. A first set of indicia (numbered 0-11) isdisposed in alternating positions with a second set of indicia (numbered12-23). The inner indicia ring 436 includes a top surface 438 in contactwith the shoulder 412 and defines two openings. The first opening is aslot 440 sized to mate with the ring engagement member 422. A stopreceiver 442 is adapted to engage the stop 414 when the first indiciaare visible through the see-though portions 424, as well as to engagethe stop 414 when the second indicia are visible through the see-thoughportions 424. An inner surface 425 of the inner indicia ring 436 rotatesabout a pilot 427 that projects from the shoulder 412. Bottom surface444 of the substantially transparent ring element 430 may be contactedby a ring clip 448 that biases that component toward the gasket 428 soas to maintain a proper seal within the housing 402. In general, aheight of the indicia ring 436 is less than a height of thesubstantially transparent element 430, allowing the indicia ring 436 torotate freely as described herein. Additional gaskets 450, 452 mayfurther seal the assembly.

FIG. 5A depicts a partial perspective view of an optical device 300displaying first numeric indicia on an elevation adjustment knob 400.FIG. 5B depicts a partial perspective view of the optical device 300displaying second numeric indicia on the elevation adjustment knob 400.A reference mark 310 on a housing 304, such as that described above inFIG. 3, is also depicted. See-through portions 424 are defined by ahousing 402 so as to display therethrough the first indicia (numbers0-11, FIG. 5A) and the second indicia (numbers 12-23, FIG. 5B). Aplurality of arc portion indicators 426 are present on the housing 402.Every tenth arc portion indicator 426 is aligned with one of thesee-through portions 424. One of the plurality of arc portion indicators426 is as the single reference indicator 426 a. In the depictedembodiment, the single reference indicator 426 a, is aligned with theparticular see-through portion 424 that displays indicia 0 and indicia12. During use, as the knob 400 is rotated R about knob axis A_(K), ashooter is able to quickly determine the precise position of rotation,and the associated mRad position associated with an inclination of theoptical device lens system (not shown). For example, in the depictedembodiment, each of the plurality of arc portion indicators 426represents 0.1 mRads of adjustment to the angle of inclination of thesighting lens system disposed within the optical device 300. Thus, whena shooter rotates the knob 400 to e.g., the second arc portion indicator426 after the see-through portion 424 displaying the numeric indicator4, the shooter quickly knows that he has adjusted the angle ofinclination by 4.2 mRads. Further rotation R of the knob 400 causes thesecond indicia to be displayed through the see-through portions 424.Thus, when a shooter rotates the knob 400 to the eighth arc portionindicator 426 after the see-through portion 424 displaying the numericindicator 16, the shooter quickly knows that he has adjusted the angleof inclination by 16.8 mRads. In the depicted embodiment, twelvesee-though portions 424, each separated by ten arc portion indicators426 are depicted. Other numbers of see-through portions and arc portionindicators are contemplated.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict a top schematic views of a multi-turn elevationadjustment knob 500 displaying first numeric indicia and second numericindicia, respectively. In these figures, underlined numbers 1-11 arefirst numeric indicia, while non-underlined numbers 12-23 are secondnumeric indicia. A knob housing 502 is depicted as a solid-line circleand defines a number of see-through portions 504, which may windows,openings, or other clear portions as described herein. Etched, painted,or otherwise formed on an exterior of the housing 502 are a plurality ofarc portion indicators 506 (specific arc portion indicators 506 a-506 eare identified in the figures). Arc portion indicators can identify asmallest measurable arc portion (e.g., an arc portion bounded byadjacent arc portion indicators 506 a, 506 b), or can identify aplurality of arc portions (e.g., an arc portion bounded by arc portionindicators 506 c, 506 d, an arc portion bounded by arc portionindicators 506 e, 506 c, etc.). In that regard, the knob 500 may be saidto define a number of arc portions of various lengths. For example, theknob 500 may include as few as a single arc portion, which would beginand end, e.g., at a single reference indicator 506 e. Additionally, theknob 500 can include a total number of arc portions equivalent to thetotal number of adjacent arc portion indicators 506. In the depictedknob 500, for example, there are 120 total arc portions, as quantifiedby the total number of adjacent arc portion indicators 506. Certain arcportion indicators (e.g., arc portion indicators 506 c, 506 d, 506 e)are aligned with a see-through portion 504. In certain embodiments,these aligned arc portion indicators 506 can define arc portions on theknob 500. Thus, in the depicted embodiment, twelve arc portions, definedby the twelve see-through portions 504 and their corresponding alignedarc portion indicators 506, are also present.

The first numeric indicia and second numeric indicia are disposed inalternating positions about on an inner ring 508, depicted by a dashedline in FIGS. 6A and 6B. A reference mark 510 is also depicted. Thereference mark 510 is fixed relative to the knob housing 502 and theinner ring 508 disposed therein, since these two elements are configuredto rotate. Beginning with the configuration depicted in FIG. 6A, thefirst indicia are initially visible through the see-through portions 504(and thus are depicted schematically in FIG. 6A as aligned withsee-through portions 504). Additionally, the single reference indicator506 e is initially aligned with the reference mark 510. Thus, as ashooter rotates R the knob housing 502, the shooter may quicklydetermine by how many arc portions he has rotated the knob 500. As eachof those arc portions corresponds to 0.1 mRad of lens system elevationadjustment, the shooter quickly knows how much the knob 500 (andtherefore the associated optical device) has been adjusted. Beginning atnumeric indicia 0, a rotation R to the see-though portion 504 alignedwith the tenth arc portion indicator 506 away from the single referenceindicator 506 e, allows the shooter to quickly recognize that he hasmade a full 1.0 mRad (ten arc portion indicators 506 at 0.1 mRad each)of adjustment to the optical device, using the reference mark 510 as adatum. More conveniently, the tenth arc portion indicator 506 is alsoaligned with the see-through portion 504 that displays numeral “1”therethrough. Thus, the shooter is quickly able to confirm that he has,indeed, made 1.0 mRad of adjustment. This is the case for eachsee-through portion 504. Thus, each of the first numeric indicia 1-11,as viewed through a specific see-through portion 504, are thereforeassociated with a single specific rotated position of the housing 502,relative to the reference mark 510. Continuing rotation R, for example,to six arc portion indicators 506 past the see-through portion 504displaying the numeral “7” allows the shooter to quickly determine thathe has made a 7.6 mRad adjustment to the optical device, again using thereference mark 510 as a datum. As the knob 500 is rotated further, thesee-through portion 504 displaying the numeral 11 is ultimately alignedwith the reference mark 510, indicating an 11 mRad adjustment, againwith reference mark 510 as a datum.

As the single reference indicator 506 e is brought into alignment withthe reference mark 510 after a full 360° rotation R, a mechanism(described below) within the knob housing 502 rotates the ring 508,relative to the housing 502. This causes a shift of the inner ring 508,such that the second indicia are aligned with the see-through portions504. This alignment continues as the knob 500 is further rotated R,allowing the shooter to continue to quickly and accurately determine howmuch the optical device has been adjusted, even after a complete initial360° rotation thereof. Thus each of the second numeric indicia 12-23, asviewed through a specific see-through portion 504, are thereforeassociated with a single, specific second rotated position of thehousing 502, relative to the reference mark 510. For example, a rotationto the three arc portion indicators 506 past the see-through portion 504displaying the numeral “19” allows the shooter to quickly determine thathe has made a 19.3 mRad adjustment to the optical device, again with thereference mark 510 as a datum. Although twelve see-though portions 504are depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, other numbers of see-through portions504 may be utilized. The numerals used for the second indicia, in thatcase, may correspond to a total number of arc portions plus a constant.In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A and6B, the constant is equal to the total number of see-through portions504 on the housing 502. In other embodiments (e.g., embodiments wheregreater than 360° of rotation are possible) the constant may be amultiple of the total number of see-thorough portions. Additionally,although mRads are the measurement used in the above embodiment,adjustments may also be made on a Minute of Angle (MOA) system.

FIGS. 7A-7F depict partial cross-sectional views of an optical device600 having a multi-turn elevation adjustment knob 400 displaying firstnumeric indicia, then second numeric indicia. Reference indicators usedfor components depicted in FIGS. 7A-7F are generally those used in FIGS.3 and 4. Not all components identified are necessarily describedfurther. A knob 400 includes an outer housing 402 that can be grippedand rotated by a shooter. An inner ring 436 is disposed within thehousing 402 and displays first numeric indicia 0-11 through a pluralityof see-through portions 424. For clarity, the indicia 0-11 displayed aredepicted in the figure, even though they would not be visible in thisview. The knob 400 is secured to an adjustment mechanism 314 by a setscrew (not shown). A gear 418 includes a receiver 420 and a ringengagement member 422, engaged with a slot 440 in the inner ring 436. Astop 414 connected to the knob housing 402 is engaged with a first endof a stop receiver 442. A clocking pin or post 318 is fixed relative tothe optical device 600 so as to be stationary during any rotation of theknob 400, as is a reference mark 310 that is disposed on the opticaldevice 600. The other components rotate, as described below. In the“zero position” depicted in FIG. 7A, an outer portion of the receiver420 is disposed proximate the post 318. In another embodiment, thecenter portion of the receiver 420 may contact the post 318, whichprevents clockwise rotation R_(CW), but allows for counterclockwiserotation R_(CCW). This helps ensure that the indicia 0 is visiblethrough the see-through portion 422 that is aligned with the referencemark 310.

FIG. 7B depicts the knob 400 approaching the completion of an initial360° of counter clockwise rotation R_(CCW). During this initial firstfull rotation, beginning at indicia 0, each of the arc portionindicators (FIGS. 6A-6B) have been aligned with reference mark 310,thereby providing a shooter with information about elevation adjustmentof the optical device 600. Moreover, as each see-through portion 424aligns with the reference mark 310, further information (in the form offirst indicia 1-11) is provided to the shooter, who may easilyunderstand the elevation setting of the optical device 600. As the knob400 approaches the position depicted in FIG. 7B, the receiver 420 ispositioned so as to receive the post 318. Of course, at any time duringthe initial 360° of counter clockwise rotation R_(CCW), the shooter mayrotate the knob 400 in a clockwise rotation R_(CW), so as to reduceelevation adjustment in the optical device 600. In FIG. 7C, thestationary condition of the post 318 compels rotation R_(P) of the gear418. Thus, the receiver 420 acts as a clocking plate and the post 318acts as a clocking pin. This rotation R_(P) shifts the position of thering engagement member 422 which, in turn, shifts the position of theinner ring 436. This shift is depicted in FIG. 7C, where the inner ring436 moves M from contact with a first end of the stop receiver 442towards a second end of the stop receiver 442. After this movement M,the stop 414 is disposed in an opposite end from its original position.This shift of the inner ring 436 moves first indicia 0-11 out ofalignment with the see-through portions 424 and second indicia 12-23into alignment with the see-through portions 424.

FIG. 7D depicts the knob 400 as it begins a second 360° of counterclockwise rotation R_(CCW), wherein the second indicia 12-23 are alignedwith see-though portions 424 such that the shooter can deriveinformation about elevation adjustment quickly and accurately.Advantageously, embodiments of knobs such as described herein allow theshooter to continue to align arc portion indicators (FIGS. 6A-6B) withreference mark 310, thereby providing a shooter with information aboutelevation adjustment of the optical device 600. Moreover, as eachsee-through portion 424 aligns with the reference mark 310, furtherinformation (in the form of second indicia 12-23) is provided to theshooter, who may easily understand the elevation setting of the opticaldevice 600. Since both the indicia visible through see-through portions424 and the arc portion indicators are disposed proximate the referencemark 310 at all times during rotation of the knob 400, accuracy isensured.

FIG. 7E depicts further rotation of the knob 400 in the second 360° ofcounter clockwise rotation R_(CCW), wherein second indicia 12-23 arevisible through the see-through portions 424. Also, during the second360° of counter clockwise rotation R_(CCW), the stop 414 remains engagedwith the second end of the stop receiver 442. At any time during thesecond 360° of counter clockwise rotation R_(CCW), rotation may bereversed to a clockwise rotation R_(CW). If rotated clockwise R_(CW)sufficiently, the receiver 420 may again receive the post 318, causingan opposite shift in the inner ring 436, such that the first indicia0-11 are again visible through see-through portions 424. This conditionwould remain through further clockwise rotation R_(CW) until the indicia0 is re-aligned with the reference mark 310. FIG. 7F depicts the knob400 at the end of the second 360° of counter clockwise rotation R_(CCW).Here, an outer portion of the receiver 420 contacts the post 318. Thiscontact, in conjunction with engagement between the stop 414 and thestop receiver 442, forms a mechanical lock against further counterclockwise rotation R_(CCW) of the knob 400.

Other embodiments of multi-turn knobs are contemplated. For example, thetechnologies disclosed herein can accommodate knobs that may be turnedthrough three, four, five, or more 360° rotations. In certain multi-turnknob embodiments, multiple posts may be secured to the inner ring 436 soas to act similar to the ring engagement members 422 depicted in FIGS.7A-7F. These posts may be engaged and turned by a gear mechanism thattranslates a continuous rotation (of the knob housing) into anintermittent rotary motion (of the inner ring). In one example, such agear mechanism may be a Geneva mechanism or other mechanism known in theart. In such an embodiment, the total number of total rotations of theknob would correspond to the number of alternating indicia on the outersurface of the ring. That is, a four-turn knob may be configured todisplay four discrete sets of indicia. An appropriate number of pins maybe selected to ensure proper shifting of the inner ring for eachdiscrete set of indicia. Of course, the size of the see-through portionsand the size of the numbers would have to be calibrated so as to displaythe proper indicia during the appropriate rotation. Additional numbersof pins, sets of indicia, and total numbers of rotations arecontemplated.

While there have been described herein what are to be consideredexemplary and preferred embodiments of the present technology, othermodifications of the technology will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from the teachings herein. The particular methods of manufactureand geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not tobe considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured in theappended claims all such modifications as fall within the spirit andscope of the technology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured byLetters Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in thefollowing claims, and all equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: an optical devicecomprising a reference disposed on an outer surface of the opticaldevice; and a knob rotatably connected to the optical device proximatethe reference, the knob comprising: a housing; and an inner ringdisposed within the housing, wherein the inner ring comprises: aplurality of first numeric indicia; and a plurality of second numericindicia, wherein each of the plurality of first numeric indicia aredisposed in alternating positions about the inner ring with each of theplurality of second numeric indicia.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a stop extending from the housing and engaged withthe inner ring when the plurality of first numeric indicia are visiblethrough a plurality of see-through portions defined by the housing andwhen the plurality of second numeric indicia are visible through theplurality of see-through portions.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first numeric indicia comprises a lowest number of both the firstnumeric indicia and the second numeric indicia.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the second numeric indicia comprises a highest numberof both the first numeric indicia and the second numeric indicia.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein the housing defines a plurality ofopenings.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a rotating movement ofthe knob adjusts an angular position of at least one lens disposed inthe optical device.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aring element disposed between the inner ring and the housing.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the ring element comprises a gasketdisposed proximate an upper surface of the inner ring.
 9. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein the ring element comprises a substantiallytransparent ring disposed proximate an outer surface of the inner ring.10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of see-throughportions comprise openings defined by the housing.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a ring clip for securing the inner ring intothe housing.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a shoulderdisposed on the interior of the housing.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12,further comprising a securement element proximate the shoulder forsecuring the housing to an adjustment element of the optical device. 14.The apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the lowest number is visiblethrough one of the plurality of openings and aligned with the reference,the knob is rotatable in a first direction and not rotatable in a seconddirection opposite the first direction.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein when the highest number is visible through one of the pluralityof openings and aligned with the reference, the knob is rotatable in thesecond direction and not rotatable in the first direction.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a post extending from theoptical device.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the knob furthercomprises a gear pivotably disposed within the housing, wherein the gearcomprises a ring engagement member and a receiver for receiving thepost.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the inner ring is engagedwith the ring engagement member.
 19. The apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising a gear pivotably disposed within the housing and operativelyengaged with the inner ring, wherein the plurality of first numericindicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portions when thegear is in a first position, and wherein the plurality of second numericindicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portions when thegear is in a second position.